Grants volunteer firefighters and ambulance workers access to state parks free of charge

1 Co-sponsor

• Fredrick J. Akshar II

Title of bill

An act to amend the parks, recreation and historic preservation law, in relation to granting volunteer firefighters and ambulance workers the use of state parks free of charge

Purpose

This bill would grant volunteer emergency personnel free access to the New York State park system.

Summary of provisions

Section 1 creates a new section 13.22 in the parks, recreation and historic preservation law to allow any person who is a volunteer ambulance worker, as defined in subdivision one of section three of the volunteer ambulance workers' benefit law, or a volunteer fireman, as defined in subdivision one of section three of the volunteer firefighters' benefit law, use of any of the state parks, upon the same terms and conditions as apply to the general public, but without payment of any fees or other charges for the use of such parks.

Section two establishes that the act shall take effect on the thirtieth day after it shall have become a law.

Justification

Volunteer ambulance workers and firefighters dedicate countless hours to help individuals in their surrounding community. The vital services provided by these brave men and women are crucial to the health, safety and welfare of our local communities. As a small token of appreciation to these public servants, this bill would allow these individuals access to any park within the New York State park system free of charge.

Legislative history

New bill

Fiscal implications

Minimal to the State

Effective date

The thirtieth day after it shall have become a law.